An Epidemic of Absence

An Epidemic of Absence by Moises Velasquez-Manoff presents a groundbreaking perspective on the rise of allergies and autoimmune diseases in modern societies. By exploring how the loss of critical immune stimuli during modernization has disrupted our body’s natural defenses, Velasquez-Manoff sheds light on a potential cause of these growing health challenges and offers a provocative look at how we might correct them.

The book delves into the concept that our immune systems evolved alongside microbes, parasites, and other environmental factors that are now largely absent in our sanitized, urbanized lives. Velasquez-Manoff investigates how this "epidemic of absence" has contributed to immune dysfunction and chronic diseases. He also explores the controversial yet intriguing possibility of reintroducing certain parasites or microbes as a form of therapy, recounting his personal experiments with this unorthodox approach.

What sets this book apart is its balance of personal narrative, scientific research, and cultural critique. Velasquez-Manoff connects the dots between the hygiene hypothesis, emerging treatments, and the broader implications of living as a complex ecosystem of organisms. He raises compelling questions about the unintended consequences of modern living and challenges readers to rethink their understanding of health and immunity.

With engaging storytelling and thought-provoking insights, An Epidemic of Absence offers a paradigm shift in how we approach allergies, autoimmune diseases, and the intricate relationship between our bodies and the environment. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the cutting edge of immunology, the microbiome, and holistic health.